It Takes a Village to Raise a Child, and a Community to Protect Them

The effects of child abuse and neglect can last longer than a bruise or a lonely evening. In fact, the long term affects of child abuse can follow an individual for the rest of their life. That is why CAPA seeks to end child abuse before it begins. By working closely with families, community partners, and professionals, CAPA hopes to help end childhood trauma before it begins allowing children from across Branch County to lead happy, healthy lives.

September is Safe Sleep Month

Each year, an average of 140 infants die due to sleep related events. This is 140 preventable childhood deaths each year. In 2017 this number is trending to be on the rise. Preventing sleep related deaths is as simple as learning the proper ways to put your baby to sleep.

Your baby must sleep alone. Place your baby in their own crib. This crib can be close to you, or in your bedroom, but your baby must sleep in their own space.

Make sure your baby is on their back. Multiple sources confirm that your child must sleep on their back in order to ensure their away stays safely open all night. An infants own weight can prevent them from breathing easily if they lay on their stomach.

Make sure the crib is clear.When your child is sleeping, make sure that they are wearing proper sleepwear and that there are not blankets, toys, or anything else in the crib with them,